BLEND —
WASHING MACHINE for a FUTURE SCENARIO
Personal Project in 2019 - 1 week
Design Background & Brief
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As of 2005 more than 50% of the world population lives in cities and the process of urbanization is expected to continue. As the population in cities increases, and the subsequent environmental challenges need to be taken care of, cities are forced to grow tighter and upwards. Challanges arising from this trend are the congestion and crowding of cities.
The idea of using space more efficiently isn't new. There is a definite trend of people buying and building smaller homes. Reasons can vary: whether it is about ecology, health, retirement or simply a more design-savvy public. The movement of bigger isn't better is here and it is taking off.
Kitchens are built-up in modules according to a Golden ratio in Art and Architectre. Can appliences evolve, when they are not restricted by their context anymore?
"Design hidden/modular appliances that merge within small spaces, with an additional value proposition that connects consumer to the brand"
Method - VIP
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This project utilizes the design method called Vision in Product Design. The method was not followed step by step due to the project timeframe which was only 1 week.
To design for the future, we need to understand the present and the past that shapes it.
ViP (Visinon in Product Design) distinguishes between the preparation phase and the designing phase. In the preparation phase the current product(s), product-user interactions and context of those interactions are questioned. In the designing phase, the future context, interactions and design are developed. When developing a future context, you are confronted with all kinds of considerations. What starting points are interesting and which ones are relevant? What facts lend support to my context and how do I allow personal motives, interests or intuition to play a part? Where and how do I involve the mission of my client and/or developments in the market?By carefully selecting and discussing the building blocks of this future context, you shape the worldview underlying the design (Boeijen et al., 2014, pp. 26–27).
Note: Not sure if the method was applied correctly but it gave me a great inspiration to look at a design problem from a different perspective! For more information regarding this method: https://ocw.tudelft.nl/wp-content/uploads/DDG_VIP.pdf
WHAT is a washing machine as a domain?
deconstraction - product
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The present-day washing machines have the classical archetype of the early automatic front load washer which was produced by Bendix in the 1940s. Not only the overall look but also the working principles and the way people use washing machines haven’t changed a lot since then.
COMPONENTS: Today, we see a dominant, usually transparent door, a control unit, and a detergent dispenser integrated into a box-like shape with strict dimensions to form a washing machine.
COLORS: There is limited use of colors, you can mostly see white and tones of gray and sometimes black, but rarely colorful options. The products have a set of materials that consist of sheet metal, plastic, and glass.
WHERE: Present-day typical front load washing machines are used in various ways:
1. domestic use: only for households
2. shared use: co-housing, co-living, and commercial use; laundromat cafes where people can socialize or have fun while their clothes are being washed.
COMPONENTS: Today, we see a dominant, usually transparent door, a control unit, and a detergent dispenser integrated into a box-like shape with strict dimensions to form a washing machine.
COLORS: There is limited use of colors, you can mostly see white and tones of gray and sometimes black, but rarely colorful options. The products have a set of materials that consist of sheet metal, plastic, and glass.
WHERE: Present-day typical front load washing machines are used in various ways:
1. domestic use: only for households
2. shared use: co-housing, co-living, and commercial use; laundromat cafes where people can socialize or have fun while their clothes are being washed.
3. service: app supported delivery
VALUES: The products in this range communicate different added values other than aesthetic concerns, such as user-friendliness, ease of use, durability, reliability, etc.
VALUES: The products in this range communicate different added values other than aesthetic concerns, such as user-friendliness, ease of use, durability, reliability, etc.
HOW are the interaction qualities between user and washing machine?
deconstraction - interactions
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Next, I tried to find how the product is experienced by users in each environment. The interaction qualities can be described as follows:
• distant: The interaction between the user and the washing machine is cold. There is no emotional boundary between user and washing machine.
• intermittent: The interaction is divided into different touchpoints in different use phases: It is episodic.
• impatient: The user wants the laundry to be done as soon as possible. He/she wonders when it is going to be done, occasionally checking how much time is left.
• occupying: Knowing that the user will have to take care of the laundry sooner or later, this thought always stays in mind.
• unpredictable: The result of the laundry can be sadly surprising. Damaged and color changed clothes may be found at the end of the washing process.
• isolated: The user is not interested in the process of washing, but the outcome: clean laundry.
• distant: The interaction between the user and the washing machine is cold. There is no emotional boundary between user and washing machine.
• intermittent: The interaction is divided into different touchpoints in different use phases: It is episodic.
• impatient: The user wants the laundry to be done as soon as possible. He/she wonders when it is going to be done, occasionally checking how much time is left.
• occupying: Knowing that the user will have to take care of the laundry sooner or later, this thought always stays in mind.
• unpredictable: The result of the laundry can be sadly surprising. Damaged and color changed clothes may be found at the end of the washing process.
• isolated: The user is not interested in the process of washing, but the outcome: clean laundry.
WHY are the interaction qualities the way they are?
deconstraction - context factors
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In order to understand the underlying reasons for the described interaction qualities we need to take a closer look at the context that shaped the first front load automatic washing machine.
Intended Interaction Qualities: When the first automatic front load washing machine was developed, the interaction was expected to be isolated because the washing experience was very time-consuming and required the user to take an active role. This is why the interaction was also meant to be distant; people didn’t want to be involved into the process. The same concern made the interaction episodic, not something continuously long (as it was before the automatic front load machine).
Unintended Interaction Qualities: More than 80 years after the production of the early machine the context has changed. The convenience of the washing machine is not impressive to people anymore.Time is running faster than ever; people are in a rush all the time. The result is an impatient interaction. A machine designed to prevent time consumption is seen as something time-consuming. People do not want to depend on things related to housework. As a result, the washing process is a sticky thought that people want to get rid of. It may also turn into a bad surprise in the end of the wash cycle as damaged, resized or colorchanged items because of the wrong use of settings or detergent.
WHY are the future interaction qualities the way they are?
designing - context factors
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Before defining desired future interactions, it is necessary to know what the future context will be like. As the most relevant developments we can define: globalization, urbanization (approximately 70% of the population will be living cities by 2030), population growth (the world's population is expected to reach more than 8 billion by 2030), global warming, digitalization, acceleration (everything is getting faster), individualization (the independence from traditional social memberships).
As a result, people are more likely to move, at the same time they will face high living costs and small living spaces. Global warming leads to drought, so that water becomes a more and more valuable good. Digitalization enables people to work independently, but it may also increase stress. As an effect of individualization, people are becoming lonely.
Responding to those developments, six trends can be identified:
• access, not ownership: People want more flexibility and freedom in their lives, and less baggage. Rather than owning something, they favor borrowing, sharing or renting.
• micro housing: Facing the high prices of real estate and population growth, micro housing has become a trend. This solution provides a more affordable option for people who prefer a good location rather than space, but may make people feel stressed, trapped and claustrophobic.
• co-living: In a co-living environment, people have their own private housing space but have access to a range of communal facilities such as shared living areas, dining spaces, etc. It is an opportunity to live in your own private place but still be part of a family.
• health & wellness: People show an increasing interest in managing their health and wellness and to fight stress.
• conscious customer: Taking the dangers of global warming into account, people care more and more about their ecological footprint. Environmental concerns impact their purchase desires, they avoid products harmful for the environment.
• on demand: Since time is valuable, people want instant access. They seek experiences, that are allowing them to dedicate more time to their professional or social lives.
• access, not ownership: People want more flexibility and freedom in their lives, and less baggage. Rather than owning something, they favor borrowing, sharing or renting.
• micro housing: Facing the high prices of real estate and population growth, micro housing has become a trend. This solution provides a more affordable option for people who prefer a good location rather than space, but may make people feel stressed, trapped and claustrophobic.
• co-living: In a co-living environment, people have their own private housing space but have access to a range of communal facilities such as shared living areas, dining spaces, etc. It is an opportunity to live in your own private place but still be part of a family.
• health & wellness: People show an increasing interest in managing their health and wellness and to fight stress.
• conscious customer: Taking the dangers of global warming into account, people care more and more about their ecological footprint. Environmental concerns impact their purchase desires, they avoid products harmful for the environment.
• on demand: Since time is valuable, people want instant access. They seek experiences, that are allowing them to dedicate more time to their professional or social lives.
HOW are the interaction qualities between user and the washing machine supposed to be?
designing - interactions
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After envisioning the future context, I defined the interaction qualities for the future product/solution. These qualities can be described as follows:
• intimate: The interaction between the user and the washing machine is not distant anymore. Conscious users have a warm bound with the machine because of itsenvironmental friendliness.
• flexible: The placing of the product is not restricted by traditional house planning. It blends in small living spaces by being modular, multifunctional or transformable.
• simple: The product enables an easy & quick operation in an intuitive way.
• predictable: The outcome of the washing process is not surprising any more.
• manipulative: Through its features, the product can change the perception of space by its color, placement and materials.
• flexible: The placing of the product is not restricted by traditional house planning. It blends in small living spaces by being modular, multifunctional or transformable.
• simple: The product enables an easy & quick operation in an intuitive way.
• predictable: The outcome of the washing process is not surprising any more.
• manipulative: Through its features, the product can change the perception of space by its color, placement and materials.
WHAT particular product can produce the quailities of interaction vision?
designing - product
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When the interaction qualities were defined, I tried to find ways to embody these qualities on a product. The product needed to be space saving and multi-functional for the shrinking living spaces. Ways to minimize the space taken in living spaces were considered as well as making it look more spacious.
Final Product
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The Blend washer&dryer machine is unique with its adaptive features. It is flexible: it can be combined and be positioned wherever suitable in small living spaces, in communal living environments. Thanks to its modular structure, it enriches the usability. The machine is not seen as something home polluting but rather something furniture-like that helps the wider perception of the interior. The convenience of the desired positioning comes with the technology that frees the product from the need for traditional water access. Promising very few water consumption, it is a desirable product for conscious consumers. This is where the users feel connected to the device. Its simple and intuitive control provides easy operation.
Combinations
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The users can combine the machines to create the most efficent space use. Adding the functional modules to the product/s enables different use scenarios. There are 4 door covers: painting, mirror, textured and plain surface.
Key Features
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Being wall mounted makes the room seem more open. The use of mirrors enhances the size and depth of the room by reflecting the natural light. They give the illusion of more space. White or light colours are more reflective and make the room look wider and brighter. Moreover, the slide-up door mechanism helps to save up more space and it gives more flexibility in the washing machine placement on walls.
Technology
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Xorb Technology by Xeros
Xorb tiny polymer spheres provide gentle mechanical wash action, reducing the need of the water in the wash cycle up to 80 percent. It helps removing stains by creating microscopic cavities.
ActivePure Technology
With the cleaning action of activated oxygen (ozone) to lift dirt and grime away from the fibers of fabric and prevent the growth of odor–causing bacteria. No need to heat the water. The water tank can be filled manually and the filter can be replaced by the user when needed.
Control
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The direct interaction is simple and intuitive, no need for complex settings and large displays. Touch to open and close the door. Touch & swipe to the right to start the washing cycle. Touch & swipe to the left to pause the machine.
